The words translated praise in the bible mean to shine, to boast and thus be clamourously foolish, to make clear, to rave as in talk wildly as if possessed with something and to commend and it is often used in the sense of rejoicing and celebration.
It is important to praise God before the answers manifest physically for the following reasons:
1. Praise is an expression of Faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In other words, faith is evidence that you have what you have not yet seen. Usually, a person would offer praise (commendation, boasting, celebration) when they have received a physical manifestation of their desires. In such an instance, the physical eyes can see the manifestation, the hands can hold the manifestation, the physical senses are excited because of a positive outcome. However, it is unusual to offer praises when the senses have not been “satisfied”. Afterall, what if what you have asked for does not come? Therefore, offering praise to God is an expression of faith because it says that though the physical senses have not experienced the answer yet, your spiritual senses have and it is only a matter of time before those answers will appear. Praising God is an expression of our full conviction that he will do it and he has done it.
2. Praise keeps us in remembrance: In spite of our feelings or the oppositions we may face, when we choose to make clear the goodness of God and his unending supply of favour towards us, through our praise, we also are reminded of testimonies from similar events. We are reminded of how he delivered us, provided, healed us in the past and how he continues to bless us. Our praise reminds us of the faithfulness of God and inspires us to trust him completely. (Psalms34, John 16:33, Philippians 4:6&7).
3. Praise keeps God in remembrance: According to Isaiah 43:22-26, we see that the people had neglected their offerings (praise) unto God and God asked them to state their case that they may be acquitted. Of course, as New Testament believers we know that it is through the sacrifice of Jesus that we are even considered as partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (1Peter 3:18, Colossians 1:12, Ephesians 3:6) and that there is no higher sacrifice by which men shall be saved. Therefore, as we praise God and make clear all that he has graciously released to us through Christ, in a sense, God is “reminded” and obligated to do us good. Our covenant with God through Christ is an assurance that we will have what we ask. This assurance is enough reason to praise him in advance as we profess our oneness with God. (John 16:24, Psalms 84:11, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Timothy 2:13).
4. Praise magnifies and affirms the supremacy of God: Praise speaks of what God has done and who he is to us. As we praise God, we make clear to ourselves the sovereignty of God and his mighty power. A revelation of who God is, brings a peace and assurance that he is able to do all things. (Psalms 100:4&5, Psalm 136, Jer 32:27, Philippians 4:6&7, Luke 1:37)
